Apple introduces compact wired keyboard with new iMacs

Accompanying updates to Apple's line of desktops Tuesday is a new compact, wired keyboard with no numeric keypad. It's included with each new iMac by default, but can be swapped out for one that does include a numeric keypad at no additional cost when ordering online.

A rundown of Apple keyboards

Previously Apple offered just two keyboards: the wired version known as the Apple Keyboard and the Bluetooth-connected Apple Wireless Keyboard. Today's new compact keyboard adopts an appearance similar to its wireless counterpart as both lack a numeric keypad. Both wired keyboards are flanked by USB 2.0 ports on each side.

The new iMac ships with the compact wired keyboard by default, but customers can still build to order with the numeric keypad version included for no extra charge. Meanwhile, Mac mini customers can also choose any of the three keyboards in a bundle with a Mighty Mouse. Both wired keyboards come with a Mighty Mouse for $98 while the wireless keyboard is joined by the Wireless Mighty Mouse for $129.

The full-size Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad comes standard with each new Mac Pro order, but the Cupertino-based Mac maker also offers the compact and wireless versions as swappable build-to-order options.

I think this move to get rid of the num. pad and decrease the width of the keyboard is a good sign that Apple might be prepping a multi-touch glass trackpad for their desktop line. By have it be smaller, one could attach (via usb) a trackpad to either end of the keyboard (lefty or righty).

Don't blow this off, I think its gonna happen in some manner. Multi-touch is still non-existent on their desktop line, a glaring signal to me.

I think this move to get rid of the num. pad and decrease the width of the keyboard is a good sign that Apple might be prepping a multi-touch glass trackpad for their desktop line. By have it be smaller, one could attach (via usb) a trackpad to either end of the keyboard (lefty or righty).

Don't blow this off, I think its gonna happen in some manner. Multi-touch is still non-existent on their desktop line, a glaring signal to me.

Thoughts?

I hadn't thought of that... as much as I hate compact keyboards, that would probably be an interesting move!

I think this move to get rid of the num. pad and decrease the width of the keyboard is a good sign that Apple might be prepping a multi-touch glass trackpad for their desktop line. By have it be smaller, one could attach (via usb) a trackpad to either end of the keyboard (lefty or righty).

Don't blow this off, I think its gonna happen in some manner. Multi-touch is still non-existent on their desktop line, a glaring signal to me.

Thoughts?

Not a bad point, actually. I can't see the interface between laptop and desktop staying this different, with laptops having the touch trackpad advantage to themselves.
In addition, a trackpad on the side could easily display a 9-key input on demand that would satisfy all (or most) but full-time number crunchers.

While a lot of us have been asking for a wireless keyboard with full extended functions.
sheesh

I'm with you there. Wireless WITH numeric keypad has been a request for sometime so they introduce the opposite. Oy. Heck, even if you don't use your Mac for business you still may want to create a spreadsheet or pay some bills online now and then. And it's not much fun to try to shop online and use the top row of numbers to enter your credit card number.